Alienware X51

I just read about the launch event of the Alienware X51 and I'm pretty impressed with it. It looks like the PC response to next gen consoles. I've always wanted an Alienware PC, but they're always a bit pricey for me, but this is much more reasonably priced.

What do you guys think of it?

The hardware choices are very limited, you pretty much get what you're getting with little customization. With small form factor PCs, I always worry about the ability to expand it later, but they say that shouldn't be a problem. I've replaced many parts on my current computer to get it to last as long as it has.

When I first read about this, I considered it and to be honest I'm still considering it. Like you, I've always wanted an Alienware and I love the idea that it'll just sit on my desk like a console.

While researching I did get thrown off the idea by a discussion on Overclockers which showed how you can built a better machine cheaper and it'd be easier to upgrade in the future.

But with Alienware's 2 year finance deals and the fact that this machine will easy last 2 years, I may yet be tempted myself. I think it's powerful enough to handle anything we would throw at it over the next 2 years but people smarter than me in that thread seem to think otherwise.

I like Alienware! But I can't justify paying the seriously over inflated price for them when I can build just as good a machine, with obviously not as nice a tower case for a fraction of the cost.

I've looked into building a computer myself before and it never really seemed worthwhile to me. First and foremost, I'd have to figure out which pieces were the best bang for my buck, figure out how to get it all to connect and then actually put it all together. If I screw up or break something, I'm out the dough. Or if something breaks later on, I have to figure out which part caused the problem and try to get the company to fix or replace it, if they will at all.

By buying directly from a manufacturer, I have a guaranteed warranty and only one person to redeem it from. I don't have to worry about accidentally breaking something and having to replace it myself. The limited options they're offering with the X51 probably means they're trying to mass produce it on such as scale that it'd be hard to build it myself cheaper.

And like Sparky said, the case would just not be as nice.

I build a system last christmas, which isnt too far off what they are offering now for around £300, around $475. But if something went wrong, I know I could deal with it and replace what went wrong. Although, I am looking at a nice alienware case on ebay :P hahahahah *has evil thoughs for his next system*

I agree the case is pretty nifty - but I very much doubt that even if you upgraded that system to the maximum options that it would stay cool. The space inside that thing is TINY, so even if you did upgrade the gfx card (which would have to be a small size I assume) or processor in a couple of years - would the case keep it cool enough?

Secondly the price is insane. I built my machine last year, the case is AWESOME (though it is a full tower) and the specs still thrash the pants of the top range X51, and it cost me in the region of £600. (not including screen and peripherals etc.) That's still £350 less than the X51, AND is more powerful.

I'd never done anything like it before, but I did my research, got a book and got building. After that I built Ali Mac his as well, and we're both very happy with 'em. Don't be pulled in by the case, after all it's not the case you're using it's what's inside it. look into building your own, it may not have one big warranty but so far I've had zero problems and it's almost a year old (and therefore out of warranty) anyway!

So how do there laptops rate, been drooling over one for months